Lighting plea by stabbed man’s wife

THE wife of the East Molesey man stabbed in the street last week has called for improved lighting in Feltham Avenue following the brutal attack which left her husband, Gerald Prechenfried, fighting for his life.

Alison Prechenfried sent a message to the meeting of the Elmbridge East Police and Community Partnership Group last Wednesday, in which she asked for improvements in the troubled road where her husband was stabbed when he chased two men from his home.

Several police officers had attended the meeting to reassure a community still shock-ed by news of the attack.

Representatives from the Feltham Avenue Residents’ Association spoke on behalf of the victim’s wife.

“Alison Prechenfried rang yesterday and asked if, somehow, you could improve the street lighting and, more specifically, the alleyway into Bridge Road,” they announced.

“It would help everyone who uses that area if the lighting was improved. There are very few lights in that area.”

Mr Prechenfried was stab-bed as he chased the men, who were inserting a bamboo pole through the letterbox of his house.

Police believe they were attempting to steal the 40-year-old man’s car keys.

Elmbridge inspector Craig Knight told the meeting: “This is a somewhat fashionable offence for the criminal fraternity. It is also still a rare offence in Surrey.”

He added that arrests made last week had not produced any leads in the hunt for the attackers.

“The two persons who we have seen on CCTV are unconnected parties to this,” said Insp. Knight. “They were drinking in the immediate area and have been removed from the investigation.

“I can’t say too much, but rest assured that we have a dedicated team working on it. We are doing everything we can to catch these people.”

Molesey’s beat officer, PC Steve Muncaster, is part of the investigation team.

Crime reduction adviser Mark Howells also spoke about the attack, saying that the risk involved in apprehending criminals was too great.

“You do not want to end up injured, or, worse than that, killed over anything. Despite the best intentions, people get hurt,” he said. “If you hear noises, observe safely if you are able to do so. If a crime is happening, then dial 999. Do not go out.

“Despite what you think, the criminals are more afraid of you than you are of them. They will do anything to escape.”

Exactly one week after the attack, investigating officers were in Bridge Road and Feltham Avenue, looking for clues and interviewing members of the public.

Det Supt Brian Boxall, investigating, described the attack as violent. “Anyone who may have seen anything, no matter if it seems insignificant, should contact us,” he said.

“We are also appealing to anyone who lives locally, perhaps a keen gardener who may have noticed bamboo canes missing or disturbed to speak to police.”

Mr Prechenfried has now been discharged from hospital. A neighbour, who asked not to be named, described the mood in Feltham Avenue. “Everybody is very shocked,” she said. “We’re all very grateful that he has survived.”

If you have any information about the incident, call Surrey Police in 0845 125 2222, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.